British actor Sir Derek Jacobi, a protégée of Sir Laurence Olivier, taught master classes to students and delivered a performance-lecture at Milton Academy on May 11 and 12. Sir Derek’s stage roles have included Uncle Vanya, Oedipus Rex and Hamlet. Recent film credits include Gladiator and Gosford Park.
“I find acting much easier than the real world,” Sir Derek told Milton community members in King Theatre May 12. “In the real world, you don’t know how it ends.”
Sir Derek concluded his hour-and-a-half lecture by delivering Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” soliloquy and Prospero’s “farewell” to standing ovation. Sir Derek’s trip to Milton was part of the Melissa Dilworth Gold ’61 Visiting Artist series, which commemorates Melissa’s life and interests by bringing internationally recognized artists to campus. As part of the series, each visiting artist also spends time with public school students. Sir Derek delivered a talk at Milton High School.
